Travel Insurance for Overseas Medical
Don't let your medical costs bury you.
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For information relating to policies purchased prior to 18 May 2022, please check the Policy Document provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased on or from 18 May 2022 please see below.
This information is for New Zealand residents.
If your luck runs out and you get sick or injured overseas, our 24 hour Emergency Assistance Team will be there for you. They'll look after you and keep your people back home informed, so you can get back on your feet and keep travelling.
What Overseas Medical Expenses are covered by travel insurance?
If accident or injury should strike, and you buy the policy for the activities you'll be doing, you can be covered for a whole range of emergency treatment, including:
| Cover | Explorer Plan | Standard Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitalisation | ||
| Doctor's visits | ||
| Prescribed medication | ||
| Chiro, osteo, acupuncture | ||
| Assault or trauma counselling |
We also have a 24 hour Emergency Assistance Team who can guide you to the nearest hospital and set up direct payments to the medical facility. Their network has a global reach, so wherever you are, they can help.
What should I do if I have an emergency while travelling?
What’s not covered?
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Common claims for overseas medical expenses we see where there's no cover include:
- Any expenses once you return home.
- Riding a scooter without a helmet or valid scooter licence (regardless of the fact that the smiling man said your car licence was totally fine).
- Where you've been acting recklessly.
- If you're intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
For more information check out our article on overseas medical coverage and read your policy carefully before you buy.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
How to get medical assistance.
It’s essential that you get in contact with our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible, so that the team can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured until the time you're well again.
So that our Emergency Assistance Teams can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:
- Your policy number
- A contact number for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
Pain in the backside.
Over a day or two I suddenly developed an incredible pain in my backside, to the point where I could no longer sit down without incredible pain. I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with grade 2 Hemorrhoids, which he said would need to be operated on quickly. I had the operation and had to go back often for checkups and further treatment
Kiwi Nomad
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Have you died?
- Has one of your relos died?
- Has an earthquake damaged your home?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need medicine?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up overseas?
- Medivac needed home?
- You died overseas?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Damaged docs?
- Passport pilfered?
- Tech Trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about overseas medical insurance. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team.
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Does my insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
Who pays depends on what’s happened! If it’s an emergency situation where hospital admission and/or medical evacuation is required, the insurer covers these costs upfront (provided the incident is covered as per the policy wording, of course).
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Do you have a list of doctors/dentist so I know where to go in case something happens and make sure I’m covered
We don't have a list of doctors or dentists. If you need help finding one, call our assistance teams, and they'll guide to the most appropriate medical professional.
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Why don't you cover ongoing treatment at home?
Travel insurance policies are designed for accidents or unexpected illness overseas. They don't stand in place of primary medical insurance or government healthcare.
Travel insurance for overseas medical emergencies
A visit to a hospital shouldn’t put your credit card into intensive care
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Overseas medical travel insurance: At a glance
- Get medical help immediately, don’t delay medical treatment.
- Call local emergency services if needed.
- Contact World Nomads 24/7 Emergency Assistance as soon as practical.
- Keep all medical reports, receipts, and invoices.
- Always read the Policy Wording/Financial Services Guide (FSG)and Target market Determination (TMD) to know what you are covered for and consider whether this product is right for you.
- Contact usif you have any questions.
- What to do if you’re injured overseas
- What’s covered
- What’s not covered?
- When to contact World Nomads Emergency Assistance
- Making a claim after a medical emergency
- FAQs
When an unexpected medical emergency happens, medical care can be shockingly expensive. Whether it’s a scooter spill in Bali or a serious ski accident in Europe, knowing what to do in the moment matters.
World Nomads travel insurance for overseas medical emergencies may help if you need medical cover while travelling overseas.
What to do if you’re injured overseas
Once you’re safe and receiving care, contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team as soon as you can and we can help you sort out the insurance side of things. Make sure that you keep all receipts and reports from your treating doctor, including the diagnosis and treatment notes and any other documents.
Travel tip: Emergency numbers differ by country. Save them in your phone before you leave.
What’s covered
Depending on the plan you choose your policy may help cover things like:
- Overseas medical and hospital expenses
- Emergency dental treatment
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Transport to the nearest appropriate medical facility
What’s not covered?
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Common claims for overseas medical expenses we see where there's no cover include:
- Any expenses once you return home.
- Riding a scooter without a helmet or valid scooter licence at home regardless of local laws.
- Where you've been acting recklessly.
- Losses arising from being intoxicated by or addicted to alcohol or drugs.
When to contact World Nomads Emergency Assistance
The Emergency Assistance team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You (or someone travelling with you) should contact them:
- If you’re admitted to hospital
- If your injury or illness is serious
- If medical evacuation may be required
They can help coordinate care, liaise with medical providers, and explain how your policy works.
Travel insurance tip: Keep your travel insurance policy number handy in case you need to call the Emergency Assistance or the customer service team. Your policy number and contact details for the Emergency Assistance or customer service teams can be found on your Certificate of Insurance (COI).
Making a claim after a medical emergency
Claims are submitted online. To support a medical claim, keep:
- Doctor’s report detailing diagnosis and treatment
- Hospital admission and discharge records
- Emergency services or incident reports (if applicable)
- Itemised invoices and receipts
- Prescriptions and pharmacy receipts
- Proof of travel and policy details
- Clear documentation helps claims progress more smoothly.
- Carry a digital and printed copy of your COI.
Get a quick travel insurance quote
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FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for overseas medical emergencies. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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What should I do first if I’m injured overseas?
Get to a safe place and seek medical help immediately. Call the local emergency services if needed. Once you’re safe and being treated, contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team as soon as you can.
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Do I need to contact World Nomads before getting treatment?
No. Always seek urgent treatment first. Health first, paperwork later. But make sure you contact the Emergency Assistance team as soon as is practical.
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What documents do I need to make a medical claim?
You’ll need to present any documents relevant to your medical treatment. A doctor’s report, hospital records, invoices, receipts for medication, police reports, proof of travel.
This is not a full list of what's covered and not covered. There are terms and conditions, limitations and exclusions that apply. Read your PDS carefully before you buy. If you have questions about what's covered and not covered, just ask us.
Claim online
Travel insurance that's easy to claim on from anywhere in the world.
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Make your claim online 24/7
Having been on the road for long periods ourselves, we know that waiting until you get home to lodge a claim isn’t always ideal. World Nomads gives you the freedom to claim from wherever you are and whenever you like, so you can keep travelling.How to claim on your travel insurance
If you're a Kiwi World Nomads member, you'll just need to sign in, follow the steps to start a new claim and attach your supporting documents.
If you're not a member, you can either create an account which lets you lodge most claims electronically or you can get in touch with our customer service teams, who'll send out a paper form for you to complete.
Soon after you've lodged your claim, we'll email you a confirmation with a reference number, so you can keep track of your claim's progress.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Be prepared when you claim.
- Injury or illness? Call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team.
- Scan your receipts before your leave, just in case.
- If an airline loses your gear, tell them straight away, fill in their paperwork and keep a copy.
- Theft? Report it to the police as soon as possible.
- See what refunds you can get first from your transport or accommodation providers.
Your top claims related questions answered
How do I make a claim on my travel insurance?
Learn more about how make a claim by watching this video.
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The claims process for World Nomads was painless and really intuitive.
I was pickpocketed while in Mexico City and had my recently new iPhone 6S stolen, as well as my credit card and driver’s license. The claims process for World Nomads was painless and really intuitive, logging everything online. The resolution was extremely fair and would be happy to recommend World Nomads to anyone.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
- As featured in:
As featured in:
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamFAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about claims. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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What can I claim for?
To give you an idea, some of the things can claim for are: overseas medical expenses, medical evacuation, cancellation costs, emergency dental treatment, luggage and personal effects.
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Can I make a claim whilst I'm away?
Absolutely! We understand that you might be away for extended periods of time, so our online claims system allows you to submit claims and liaise with our claims people while you are still travelling. Simply log in to your membership page to start the process and follow the prompts to submit your claim.
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Can I wait until I get home to make a claim?
Yes, of course you can! Provided the incident you are claiming for took place while you were travelling and your policy was valid at the time, you can wait until you return home to submit your claim if this is easier.....no problem at all!
